John Q. Archibald (Denzel Washington) is a blue collar factory worker, who, although is going through a hard time, still has the love of his wife Denise (Kimberly Elise) and their young son Mikey (Daniel E. Smith). When the factory cuts John's hours down by half, his financial problems start to mount up and he is forced to look for extra work before he loses everything. When Mikey collapses whilst playing baseball, they discover that he has a serious heart disorder, and unless he receives a $250,000 heart transplant, he is sure to die. When John and Denise discover that their medical insurance won't cover the cost of the transplant, they plead to the hospitals administrator, Rebecca Payne (Anne Heche) and chief heart surgeon Dr. Turner (James Woods) to put Mikey at the top of the transfer list, but get little sympathy. With time running out, John does everything possible to raise the money for the transplant.
With Mikey's condition rapidly deteriorating, John knows that there is no way of raising the funds for the operation and decides to take matters into his own hands. He goes to the hospital and locks himself in the emergency room, whilst holding Dr. Turner and some patient's hostage, demanding for the people in charge to agree to the life saving operation. As the police surround the hospital, John has to negotiate
his demands through their negotiator, Frank Grimes (Robert Duvall), and Chief of Police, Munroe (Ray Liotta). As Mikey's life hangs in the balance, and the hospital administrator refusing to budge, John has to take some drastic action.
John Q. is a very good film, it may not be the greatest drama or thriller ever created, but the thought provoking story is extremely powerful. The film focuses on the plight of a family, in particular the father and looks at how far he will go to save the life of his only child and after watching this, I found myself questioning as to how far I would go if I was in a similar situation. As well as this powerful story, John Q. has some very good performances, which is not really a surprise with the caliber of its cast which includes Denzel Washington, James Woods and Robert Duvall. If I have one criticism of the film, it is that although it is a hard hitting drama, at times it comes over a bit idealistic in some of its views. But to be honest, this hasn't stopped me from watching this film on numerous occasions, as this is such a small part of what is in general a very good drama.
In the lead role of John Q. Archibald is the very talented Denzel Washington (Remember the Titans). Washington puts in a magnificent performance, as he demonstrates all the emotions that any parent would go through if there son was suddenly taken seriously ill. Opposite him as Dr. Turner, the chief heart surgeon is James Woods (Any Given Sunday). You never know if you should be cheering or booing at Dr, Turner as his character seems to change from scene to scene. Next you have the police negotiator, Frank Grimes, played by Robert Duvall (Gone in 60 Seconds). Duvall puts in a great performance as the time worn cop, who in some ways sympathises with John. The biggest disappointment in the cast is Ray Liotta as the Chief of Police. In my opinion he comes over as an idiot rather than a highly respected official, whether this was how the character was meant to appear is never made clear. The rest of the cast put in good performances and you can't but help falling in love with John's son, Mikey played by Daniel E. Smith.
John Q. is directed by Nick Cassavetes who is better known for appearing in front of the camera in films such as Face/Off rather than behind it. In general I feel that Cassavetes has done a very good job of making an enjoyable drama which also doesn't shy away from delivering a thought provoking message. If I have one criticism, it is that he either let Liotta get away with that performance or he didn't put enough emphasis on why the Chief of Police behaved like an idiot.
= The Cast =======
Denzel Washington .... John Quincy Archibald Robert Duvall .... Lt. Frank Grimes James Woods .... Dr. Raymond Turner Anne Heche .... Rebecca Payne Daniel E. Smith .... Mike Archibald Kimberly Elise .... Denise Archibald Ray Liotta .... Chief Gus Monroe
*****************************======================= The Message & Christian View Point =============================
There are 2 things which jumped out at me from this film. Firstly is the most obvious one about how far would you go to save a loved one. If it came down to it would you put your life on the line to save a loved one?
The second thing which jumped out at me is the use of weapons as force to get what you want. Is it right to use threatening behaviour to achieve your desired results even if your motives are noble. Theoretically I don't agree with the use of force, but put into the same situation as the one in the film, I know that I couldn't honestly say that I wouldn't go down the same route.
This is a very good, hard hitting drama, which challenges you to examine your own thoughts on what would you do for a loved one. The film itself is very well made; it has a very good plot, great performances from most of the main cast and generally keeps you enthralled right up until the final credits. In my opinion, there is very little wrong with this film, and find it strange why it had so many bad reviews from professional film critics. If you are a fan of good dramas or maybe just a fan of a certain Mr. Washington, and I'm not on about George, then this is a film for you.
John Q. is currently available on Amazon for £5.97.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Drama - Director: Kevin Smith - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, George Carlin, Jennifer Lopez, Jason Biggs, Matt Damon
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 2002 - Drama - Director: Michael Caton-Jones - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Robert De Niro, Frances McDormand, James Franco, Eliza Dushku, William Forsythe, George Dzundza, Patti Lupone
I've seen this and it is a powerful film. It does make you wonder if you'd do the same but when you love someone so much you'd do anything for them. x x
kathryn.rosling 10.03.2006 21:42
Well described but I am obviously the only one to find this film a little to OTT for my liking. Although I too have watched it 2 or 3 times, so it's obviously watchable :-).
belfin 10.03.2006 20:18
Anything with Denzel in it is worth a watch - haven't seen this one yet though. Belinda
A nine-year-old boy is in desperate need of a life-saving transplant. When his father ... more
John Q. Archibald (Denzel Washington) discovers that his medical insurance won’t cover the costs of the surgery and alternative government aid is unavailable ...
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John Q. (Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington) is an ordinary man who works at a factory ... more
and takes care of his family. His wife Denise and young son Michael are his world. But when Michael falls seriously ill and needs an emergency heart transplant t...
Advantages: Denzel Washington is his usual brilliant self. Thought provoking, and exciting, movie, about a highly contentious and controversial topic. Disadvantages: Not a lot
the_mad_cabbie 28.12.2002 (28.12.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of John Q. (DVD)
Advantages: Denzel Washington is his usual brilliant self. Thought provoking, and exciting, movie, about a highly contentious and controversial topic. Disadvantages: Not a lot
the_mad_cabbie 28.12.2002 (28.12.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of John Q. (DVD)
![John Q. [DVD] [2002]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78530786.jpg "John Q. [DVD] [2002]")
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